Graphic + Media Design

This course will introduce students to the concept of designing with type. Students will explore type as an element of design using letters, words and blocks of text. Students learn the anatomy of letter forms, aspects of form and space of words, and the relationship of paragraphs to the grid as it applies to single page compositions.

In this introductory course students become familiar with the basic tools, techniques, terminology and materials of the graphic designer. Students will learn to apply basic design principles to form and message in order to solve visual communication problems. The design process will be explored through the completion of assigned projects that incorporate initial research, idea generation, and final presentation of a design solution.

This course will build upon the principles and concepts explored in Graphic Design I. Conceptual development, visual problem solving, project research, advanced typographic and advanced layout skills will be stressed. Projects and exercises will be assigned to help students explore these principles.

This introductory course will develop a fundamental understanding of the function, meaning and application of photographic imagery used in visual communications. Students will learn how tools, materials, and the principles of design work together to effectively represent an idea. Students will be introduced to the basics of digital workflow, critical thinking, creative problem solving and conceptual development.

This course will build upon the fundamentals of type, design and layout explored in Type and Design I. Students will be introduced to the rules of typography and how to break those rules as well as modular and multi-column grid systems in the context of multi-page sequential projects. The finer points of typesetting, page layout and publication design are also explored in this course.

This introductory course will develop a fundamental understanding of the function, meaning and application of images used in visual communications as they apply to vector graphics. Students will learn how tools, materials, and the principles of design work together to effectively represent an idea. Students will be introduced to the basics of digital workflow, critical thinking, creative problem solving and conceptual development.

This foundation course promotes creative expression using the principles of moving images and sound. Students are introduced to numerous forms of time-based media as a means to express ideas to an audience. Students will develop media literacy skills while gaining valuable aesthetic, conceptual and technical skills in a hands-on learning environment that includes theory, exploration, practice and critique.

The department may offer special courses in graphic and media design dealing with areas and topics not otherwise included in the curriculum.

This course explores the processes of preparing graphic work for print, web, and electronic distribution. Numerous contemporary topics related to design and production such as printing specs, color profiles, image preparation and distribution will be explored. Projects will be created using a variety of software within the context of professional standards and the digital workflow.

This course builds on skills learned in Digital Production I. Offset printing, pre-press, paper selection, and binding techniques will be covered.

This course is an in-depth introduction to the fundamentals of design, production and programming of interactive media. Students will learn a variety of techniques and methods for creating interactive content that heightens the user experience. An emphasis is placed on the proper application of leading-edge technology and coding to create unique projects that are both aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound.

This course continues the development of skills introduced in Interactive Design I with an emphasis on non-linear interactive media. Students continue to study the process of design, production and programming of interactivity that includes sound, motion and user interaction.  This course will further the student's understanding of coding as a means to produce rich interactive content and applications.

In this studio course, students will develop personal working methods and interests through the development and application in projects. Students will hone their technical and visual design sensibilities, and begin to frame lines of inquiries of their own. Evidence that craft and working method have evolved will be stressed in this course. 

In this advanced studio course, students will continue to develop personal working methods and interests through the development and application in projects. Students will hone their technical and visual design sensibilities, and begin to frame lines of inquiries of their own. Evidence that craft and working method have evolved will be stressed in this course.  

An advanced design course that emphasizes research methodology in graphic design. Students learn methods of qualitative and quantitative research; research strategies of competitive analysis, ethnographic research, user testing, and visual exploration and research documentation. Design and the creative process, critical evaluation and professional presentations are also important elements of this course.

This course will introduce students to the practice of working as a professional artist/designer. Topics will include professional standards and ethics, intellectual property law, finances, contracts, planning and organization, and professional relationships. Students will study current issues and the changing role of the artist/designer in contemporary society as they prepare for a career in creative industry.

In this course, students will learn advanced principles of typesetting and understand how these apply across media for communications. Hands-on exercises, research and discussions will build on principle Students will research a subject, conceptualize an idea, produce a design and discuss their project. This course will examine various topics. Each assignment will be contextualized through studies in design history and research.

Imaging III is an advanced course in which students use a variety of media to create images that solve design problems. Students will examine the history and current field of illustration as well as principles of design theory to create images that effectively communicate a specific message.

This course will explore a wide range of advanced, experimental techniques utilizing digital media. Students will also study the fundamentals of illustration and design to create unique images that visually communicate ideas in a compelling manner.

This course is an introduction to the elements and principles of animation with emphasis on storyboarding, time-based design, audio production and creating assets. Projects include the exploration of story structure and keyframing techniques to create effective visual communication solutions that move.

The department may offer courses in graphic and media design addressing contemporary topics and issues not otherwise included in the curriculum.

This course continues the development of topics explored in Interactive Design 1 and 2 with an emphasis on industry-standards and leading- edge technology. Students will continue the study of usability theory, UI/UX design, and media-rich technology to produce non-linear, interactive design solutions.

This course is a self-initiated research and development experience for students nearing completion of the BFA degree. Students begin with a thorough investigation of research methods used in art and design then progress to the development of a project concept and written proposal. Faculty work closely with students to guide the progression of their research and project deliverables through individual advising, group critiques, presentations, lectures, field trips and writing seminars.

This course enables students to expand and/or complete the body of work that began in Capstone Seminar I. Students will develop unique content and further their ability to express visual communication solutions through presentations, discussions and project development that push boundaries of traditional graphic and media design practice.  Students are encouraged to explore opportunities for large-scale, collaborative and multi-dimensional projects.

This course will continue the exploration of time-based design commonly found in animated projects with an emphasis on the narrative. Advanced topics in audio production, digital imaging, story structure and visual effects will be explored to create industry-standard motion design solutions.

This course will focus on the practice of working as a professional artist/designer and the creation of a professional portfolio. Topics will include professional standards and ethics, intellectual property law, finances, contracts, planning and organization, and professional relationships. Students will study current issues and the changing role of the artist/designer in contemporary society as they prepare for a career in the creative industry. As part of the course, existing projects are improved and new work is created to diversify the portfolio. Marketing materials are also created. Guest lectures, presentations, and mock interviews augment this course.

The Graphic + Media Design internship allows the student to further the study of learned principles and gain valuable industry experience in a professional environment. Qualified students should be prepared to work at any number of internship sites such as a design studio, advertising agency, printing press, publishing company, interactive design firm or video production facility. Students will create a resume, cover letter and portfolio in preparation for the initial interview. A final presentation of work completed during the internship is required.

The department may offer courses in graphic and media design addressing contemporary topics and issues not otherwise included in the curriculum. Credit range: 1-6 credits.